The new algorithm allows multiple autonomous drones to work together to transport heavy payloads, even in windy conditions.
Researchers have developed a new algorithm that can help multiple drones work together to control and transport heavy payloads. Developed by scientists at TU Delft, the algorithm can help perform tasks at hard-to-reach infrastructure, like offshore wind turbines.
With often harsh weather, limited payload capacity, and unpredictable contact with the environment, it is difficult for current drones to operate safely and effectively. Single drone can only carry a limited load“A single drone can only carry a very limited load,” said Sihao Sun, robotics researcher at TU Delft. “This makes it hard to use drones for tasks like delivering heavy building materials to remote areas, transporting large- amount of crops in mountainous regions, or assisting in rescue missions.”The TU Delft team revealed that they have overcome these limitations with their new system, where multiple drones are connected to a payload via cables, thereby carrying much heavier loads.By adjusting their positions in real time, the drones can not only lift and transport the heavy object but also control its orientation, which is crucial for precise placement in complex environments.“The real challenge is the coordination,” says Sun. “When drones are physically connected, they have to respond to each other and to external disturbances like sudden movements of the payload in rapid motions. Traditional control algorithms are simply too slow and rigid for that.” New algorithm adapts to changing payloadsThe research team also claimed that their new algorithm is fast, flexible, and robust. It adapts to changing payloads and compensates for external forces without requiring sensors on the payload itself, which is an important advantage in real-world scenarios.They also pointed out that existing control algorithms for multilifting systems only enable low-speed and low-acceleration operations.Published in Science Robotics, the study offers a solution to substantially enhance the agility of cable-suspended multilifting systems. Unlike traditional cascaded solutions, we introduce a trajectory-based framework that solves the whole-body kinodynamic motion planning problem online, accounting for the dynamic coupling effects and constraints between the quadrotors and the load.“The planned trajectory is provided to the quadrotors as a reference in a receding-horizon fashion and is tracked by an onboard controller that observes and compensates for the cable tension. Real-world experiments demonstrate that our framework can achieve at least eight times greater acceleration than state-of-the-art methods to follow agile trajectories,” said researchers in the study.Currently, the system uses external motion capture cameras for indoor testing and is therefore not useful in outdoor environments yet. The team hopes to prepare the technology for real-world deployment in the future, with potential applications in search and rescue, agriculture, and remote construction, according to a press release.The research team also highlighted that the system passed all tests. And because the drones are autonomous, they only need to be given a destination. They navigate independently, adjusting for obstacles and disturbances along the way.“We built our own quadrotors and tested them in a controlled lab environment. We used up to four drones at once, added obstacles, simulated wind with a fan, and even used a moving payload like a basketball to test dynamic responses,” said Sun.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
3 new songs and 3 new albums to listen to this weekendFlorence + The Machine return with a scream for Halloween, while Telescreens impress us with 'Nothing.'
Read more »
I Hate This Place Drops New Trailer With New Release Date💀 The Madness Takes Hold of Rutherford Ranch 💀 This new story trailer gives a quick taste of the twisted tale taking place on Rutherford Ranch.
Read more »
New CEO, new focus: United Way launches plan to tackle Tarrant County's toughest issuesWith a new CEO at the helm this year, the United Way of Tarrant County is rolling out a new battle plan to tackle some old problems.
Read more »
Great white sharks swarmed New York, New Jersey waters this summer amid predator population boom: expertThe region’s Atlantic coast has seen a marked increase in the apex predators — and a boom in all ocean life — which is turning casual swims into ocean safaris, according to sea-life non-profi…
Read more »
Final day for early voting in New York City and New JerseyMore than 584,000 people across the five boroughs have voted early so far, according to the NYC Board of Elections.
Read more »
Every New Villager Coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2026Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting a massive 3.0 update in January 2026, and that includes some new Villagers.
Read more »